Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am appalled that the Wildlife Act amendments will not be coming forth in the term of this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, it has been almost 10 years since the Gwich'in have signed a comprehensive land claim agreement. It has been a little over nine years since the Sahtu Dene-Metis signed a claim.
Mr. Speaker, the last time any major amendments took place in this House was in 1994, in regards to the Wildlife Act amendments, to allow for an Inuvialuit land claims comprehensive claim, to allow for the amendments to enact that legislation and their agreements. Mr. Speaker, the Minister at the time, who is now the Premier, Minister Kakfwi, presented the introduction to legislation on Bill 12, recognizing the implantations provisions in the Inuvialuit final agreement and giving effect to the western claim settlement agreement. Bill 12 was developed to consult the representation ensuring the Inuvialuit continue to clarify and carry out the provisions of the wildlife agreement.
Mr. Speaker, it's interesting to note that, at that time, the standing committee of the Legislative Assembly, which was chaired by Mr. Gargan who was the previous Speaker of the House, stated: "In review of Bill 12, An Act To Amend The Wildlife Act, this bill amends the act to recognize the provisions of Inuvialuit Final Agreement as they pertain to wildlife harvesting and management. The bill further provides the commissioner authority to develop regulations regarding implementation and recognition of existing and future land claims."
The Inuvialuit Final Agreement was signed in 1984, 10 years ago. In the Northwest Territories, there has been three more land claims being signed by, in particular, the Gwich'in, the Sahtu and Inuvialuit. The committee is concerned with the length of time that it takes the government to introduce legislation concerning claims groups and the land claims regions.
Further Mr. Speaker, the committee is disappointed that the government has not taken the opportunity to introduce further amendments to enact the existing land claim agreements. Mr. Speaker, many concerns have been voiced in the 10 years previous. Mr. Speaker, why is it that it takes this government that length of time to act on land claims legislation, Mr. Speaker?